''Accident" Today at OGS Conference '09

... what you get when you mix a conference, a festive atmosphere, rabid genealogists, a graduation ceremony, a librarian, coffee, and a chair ...


Conference attendee, Marian Press, reacts to casualty.

Friday Afternoon at OGS Conference '09

Up-and-coming blogging superstar, John D. Reid (on the right), of the Anglo-Celtic Connections blog <http://anglo-celtic-connections.blogspot.com>—fresh from his trip from Ottawa—is enjoying a fine cold-plate supper with fellow genealogist and guest speaker, Gary Schroder of the Quebec Family History Society <http://www.qfhs.ca>.

This is the culmination of a very exciting afternoon, filled with a visit to the Marketplace (again) to see more newly-arrived exhibitors, the chance to meet more acquaintances, a workshop hosted by the Irish Palatine special Interest Group (IP-SIG), and the graduation ceremony of the National Institute for Genealogical Studies <www.genealogicalstudies.com> (more to follow on these activities).

We're now off in a mad rush to the opening ceremonies!

Conference '09 - Marketplace - Day 1

So, here is an update on the Marketplace, and some pictures.



Dr. Fraser Dunford, Executive Director of the OGS, putting in some work at the conference, setting up the OGS kiosk -

- and John Becker, editor of OGS journal, Families, is putting final touches on his display at our OGS Publications Table.

Finally! Conference '09 Begins!

It began with a bit of a rocky start, with breakfast not to begin until 8 o'clock, and people were expecting it to begin at 7, but a compromise was reached, and it was started after 7:30. However, once started, it was a lovely breakfast, served in the cafeteria of the College - a very tasty continental breakfast, fuelling hungry genealogists ready for their morning's activities.

Ticket takers for this morning's breakfast were: (L) Joan Phillips and (R) Judy Payne, both from the Peel Branch.

Then we went to register, which was well-organized and efficient, and we were out of there in less than a minute. Lines were going fast.

We met a few old friends, and introduced ourselves to some new ones.

Now to go through the bag to check all the goodies, and then we're off to the Marketplace to check on the OGS Publications Table, to see how John Becker, editor of the OGS journal, Families, and Grace Jewell, OGS Webmaster, are doing. I will be there Sunday.

Note that there are two (2) Marketplaces this year, and we are starting with Marketplace #1. Can't wait to see what awaits us!

FLASH! LAC Announces New Genealogy Collections

From Slyvie Tremblay, Chief, Canadian Genealogy Centre (as of 1130 hrs, 28 May 2009)

“Greetings,

I am pleased to announce that new pages are available on the Canadian Genealogy Centre website as of this morning.

You will now find information on Jewish (http://www.collectionscanada.gc.ca/genealogy/022-905.008-e.html) and Polish (http://www.collectionscanada.gc.ca/genealogy/022-905.007-e.html) in the What to Search : Topics : Ethno-cultural and Aboriginal Groups section.

Also, we now have a page about Heraldry (http://www.collectionscanada.gc.ca/genealogy/022-914.006-e.html) in the What to Search : Topics : Other Topics section.”

Pre-OGS Conference '09 (Post 1)

We finally made it to Oakville!

It took us all day yesterday (Wednesday) to get here, but we’re settled in now, and are ready to do a day of research at the neighbouring city of Burlington.

This morning, while having breakfast, we met some fellow OGS members. They were talking about the conference, and this morning’s Chairs Meeting, where they will talk about what has happened over the year in their individual branches, and will discuss this year’s upcoming year.

One Chair has completely digitized her branch’s newsletters, and they will appear on the OGS website for interested parties to buy <http://www.ogs.on.ca/>.

Another woman talked about going to the “new” Ontario Archives <http://www.archives.gov.on.ca/> yesterday, and was looking for her uncle, which she, unfortunately, did not find. But she gave the Archives top marks for having the information organized, in a much better fashion than found at their old location.

So it’s off to Burlington with our friend, June Coxon, to search for her ancestor, Charles HALES. The first place we’ll hit will be the library, and with any luck, will then head for the cemetery, with the hopes of finding his gravestone and tying up the loose ends of that family, thus making the trip a success!

‘til the next blog …

OGS Conference '09 - Day 3

On day 3 at the conference (Sunday), my wandering days will be over for me as I will be at the OGS Publications Table all day - well, until the conference closes at 2:15 in the afternoon.

It has been a busy week for me, doing my regular work plus helping to plan the table - but I think we are ready to go.

This will be my last blog from home, but we are ready to try a new smartphone during this trip and conference - so I will be in touch.

We will wrap up on Sunday afternoon and then it will be a travelling day for me on Monday. We have to be back, as my husband is going to a conference the next weekend.

See you at the conference!